Category Archives: Animals

As of yesterday, it is officially Spring, though it may not necessarily feel like it. But whether it is snowing, raining, or shining, with Spring comes new life – flowers bloom, the leaves return to the trees, and baby animals are born.

Everyone loves babies, and there really is nothing cuter than a newborn monkey, lion, or bear. So, whether you need a little cheering up, or would just like to add a smile to your face, check out the link above for some adorable new additions to mother nature!

I picked up this book in the States last summer at Barnes and Noble. After going through a period of time when I missed my own pets back at home, I decided to feed my sorrows and finally read this book. Now, here is my review. Enjoy!

Synopsis: “The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight.”

ISBN: 0385343981

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My Review:

Everyone loves a good pet tale. Whether it is about a naughty dog or a curious cat, stories about animals are both entertaining and emotional. And Homer’s Odyssey, a true-life account of a naughty and curious kitty, is no exception.

After adopting an eye-less kitten who nobody wanted, Gwen Cooper realized her life had suddenly changed. When she was not blind-proofing her numerous homes, she was making sure Homer, the newest addition to her now three-cat family, was not getting into too much trouble. But, sure enough, Cooper had her work cut out for her, and realized quickly that though Homer was blind, he was more than a normal, curious cat.

Filled with chapters of Homer’s antics, Cooper takes you on a journey from kittenhood to the elder cat years of twelve. The different stories of Homer’s adventures are engaging, and whether Homer is annoying his two cat sisters, or making friends with practically every human he meets, his shenanigans are quite entertaining. Two chapters though really stuck out to me. The first consisted of Homer literally saving the life of the author from an intruder, and the second of the harrowing ordeal the author and her cats endured during 9/11. Both of these chapters were two of many which portrayed how much Homer truly impacted Gwen Cooper’s life.

The writing itself is captivating, though I did have a few issues with the author. At times Cooper came across as a know-it-all and slightly self absorbed, but to be fair, this is a memoir about her life and experiences. However, throughout the whole book she preached how important her cats were to her, especially Homer, and it seemed her entire life revolved around the care of her cats; throughout the the 9/11 chapter, she was more concerned about her cats’ safety than that of her own. So, it honestly surprised me when she ended up falling in love with a man who did not like cats to begin with. Though her future husband did eventually warm up to her three kitties, I was still a little taken aback by how unperturbed Cooper was by what I would consider a huge flaw.

All in all, Homer’s Odyssey was a compelling and sentimental read. It made me smile at the mischief of my own cat, and forced me to examine how important my own pets are to me. We all need love in our lives, and whether you are a cat-person or a dog-person, this book is for everyone.

Pit Bulls have gotten bad rap due to the way they are used. On account of their natural brute and strength, humans use this breed as attacking dog guards and fighting killers, and because of this Pit Bulls are subjected to breed discrimination on a daily basis. However, it is not their breed that is harmful, it is the way they are raised and trained.

Yes, certain dogs are aggressive, and sometimes those dogs may be of the Pit Bull breed, however just because one dog of a certain breed is threatening, does not make the breed itself dangerous. The majority of Pit Bull dogs are loyal and friendly animal companions, and even those who have been subjected to terrible abuse by humans may also be able to be rehabilitated. It is not the dog that we should fear, but the human owner.

Click on the link above and read the truth about Pit Bulls. And even though it is necessary to take certain precautions when around dogs you do not know – this goes for all breeds – make sure to keep an open mind and do not discriminate against any certain breed.

It is a common myth that fish have a three-second memory span. In fact, fish are relatively intelligent animals who have long-term memories, and studies have shown that fish also use tools.

The video above shows how a simple harness tool has given a new life to a goldfish. Having trouble staying afloat, this goldfish now is able to swim thanks to her owner, who created a floating harness!

There has been quite a few disabled animals in the news lately who have gotten a new start thanks to their human companions. And while most people forget about their silent, swimming friends, it is nice to see that one fish has not been forgotten!

This literally brought tears to my eyes. There are only two species of elephants remaining – the Asian and African elephant – and countries, especially China, continue to partake in the ivory trade. This demand for ivory from Asia increases the incentive for Africans to turn to poaching due to the large amount of money they receive.

This horrific act needs to be stopped. While we can’t all be out fighting on the front lines for these animals, we can do our parts right from our home. First, check out these websites to learn more about the ivory trade and how to fight against elephant poaching:

Next, refuse to visit China or any other country that supports the ivory trade. Or, if you or someone you know does travel to Asia, especially China, make sure to ask what things are made of before you buy. Ivory is used to make tourist souvenirs, so ask, and if anything is made of ivory, bone, or skin, refuse to buy. This may not make the biggest impact, but at least you are taking a stand.

And finally, please spread the word about poaching, the ivory trade, and what can be done to help stop these random killings. The world needs to be educated about the importance of animal life and rights, so please do your part!